The upcoming documentary To Skin a Cat addresses the alarming loss of leopard populations in southern Africa to illegal skin trade and poaching, and its close ties to the Shembe Church religion (over four million strong) which uses the hides in ceremonial rituals. Ironically, the Shembe Church reveres these beautiful animals, but believe they are so powerful that there’s no way they could disappear from this Earth. Filmmakers Colwyn Thomas and Greg Lomas follow leopard researcher Tristan Dickerson on his journey to save the leopards from this massive population decline, which Dickerson thinks can be accomplished via one powerful solution: fake fur. As the filmmakers write: “Dickerson believes that if he can introduce a high quality, realistic and cheap fake fur he will radically reduce the pressure on the country’s leopard populations. His mission is two pronged. 1. He must either create or source the perfect fur 2. He must convince the Shembe Church’s powerful leader to endorse his plan.” The dynamics of the struggle are dramatic, and often pit anti-poaching soldiers against their neighbors and countrymen who hunt these great cats — showing how these men battle to reconcile their lives between these opposing forces. It is not only an environmental struggle, but a human one as well. Watch the trailer below, and if you have the ability you can also help fund the production.

No Responses to ““To Skin a Cat” Documentary: Saving the African Leopard From Extinction”

I want to convey my respect for your kind-heartedness supporting folks that must have assistance with this particular situation. Your very own dedication to getting the solution across was certainly productive and has surely permitted people much like me to achieve their desired goals. Your entire warm and friendly instruction implies a lot to me and even further to my colleagues. Warm regards; from all of us.

Beware of Aisle 9. Lost In a Supermarket are trained amateurs — do not try this at home.
"Borrowing" images on the Interweb is so easy, but we do not recommend you do this for commercial gain. We don't.